Emotiva XPA-5 amplifier

piker · May 2011

I have done some reading around about amplifiers, and it seems like the majority of people here recommend settling on a used and respected amp from brands such as Adcom, or Parasound. I really want to stay away from used and would like to remain under the $1000 price point, and so I just finished purchasing one of the Emotiva XPA-5's from their website. It's brand new and has a 5 year warranty. Also I should get 30 days to try out the product and make sure it's what I really want. If I don't like it I can send it back. To me, those two factors are worth it for the peace of mind alone.

I am currently running Polk M70's for the front L & R, M60's for surrounds, the CS2 center, and PSW505 sub. Since the specs for the XPA-5 show 200watts per channel, and the CS2 is rated for 175watts, is that going to cause a problem? Or is it only an issue if I was to crank the volume up towards maximum?

I have the Onkyo TX-NR808 right now. I am aware that since I'm running 5.1 with bi-amped fronts (that makes 7 channels being used, right?) I'm likely only getting 55-65 watts per channel in reality.

Do you think I will really notice an improvement in what I hear with this amp? I am not completely satisfied with how my M70's sound right now. To me, the 60's sounded better as fronts. They seemed to play louder and more clearly than the 70's do. I'm not sure if it's because of the lack of power or not. The 70's to me sound flat and lifeless right now. Hopefully the XPA-5 brings these to life. I seriously hope I don't regret this purchase.

Anyone else with the XPA-5 care to chime in with a before and after opinion? I haven't seen too much about this amp on here. I do know there are a few members who own it though.

heiney9 · May 2011

piker wrote: »

Do you think I will really notice an improvement in what I hear with this amp? I am not completely satisfied with how my M70's sound right now. To me, the 60's sounded better as fronts. They seemed to play louder and more clearly than the 70's do. I'm not sure if it's because of the lack of power or not. The 70's to me sound flat and lifeless right now. Hopefully the XPA-5 brings these to life. I seriously hope I don't regret this purchase.

Anyone else with the XPA-5 care to chime in with a before and after opinion? I haven't seen too much about this amp on here. I do know there are a few members who own it though.

Welcome, it seems you've already bought the amp so I don't understand why ask questions after the fact. Not to mention there are hundreds of threads answering your questions and more.

Let us know what you think once you get it hooked up.

H9

piker · May 2011

I would like to think that I'll hear a similar difference to what I have with my car right now. From the factory, Subaru installed the most craptastic sounding factory deck I've ever heard before. It absolutely sucked! I installed a Kenwood DVD/NAV deck about a year later and it boosted the watts from about 15 per channel from the factory to I think 45 per channel now. The sound difference was quite amazing. It really brought the speakers to life and they sounded better. I'm hoping that is the kind of difference I will be getting here with the amp.

cnh · May 2011

Personally, I haven't heard any Emotivas and am one of those that favor the Adcom/Parasound advice above! But I can tell you that 200 watts of clean power per channel to your M-70s will bring you to another level in terms of what those speakers can 'do' and is well worth trying!

I ran M-70s on a Denon AVR 2807 (110 W/channel) and then tacked on an Adcom GFA-555 (original) and the 70s really opened up and had bolder tighter bass, more authority, better imaging, cleaner mids and highs. Since the Emo has a 30 day return policy all you can lose is the shipping fees?

Finally, you can't 'damage' your speakers with 200 watts of good quality power...just use common sense and don't clip the amp. But that's not very likely with a high current model!

Good Luck!

cnh

piker · May 2011

heiney9 wrote: »

Welcome, it seems you've already bought the amp so I don't understand why ask questions after the fact. Not to mention there are hundreds of threads answering your questions and more.

Let us know what you think once you get it hooked up.

H9

I'm really looking for some reassurance here. Also I haven't really read about any before and after comparisons. I'm hoping to get a few responses like that.

piker · May 2011

cnh wrote: »

Personally, I haven't heard any Emotivas and am one of those that favor the Adcom/Parasound advice above! But I can tell you that 200 watts of clean power per channel to your M-70s will bring you to another level in terms of what those speakers can 'do' and is well worth trying!

I ran M-70s on a Denon AVR 2807 (110 W/channel) and then tacked on an Adcom GFA-555 (original) and the 70s really opened up and had bolder tighter bass, more authority, better imaging, cleaner mids and highs. Since the Emo has a 30 day return policy all you can lose is the shipping fees?

Good Luck!

cnh

Thank you! This is what I was wanting to know. Super fast responses guys!

cfrizz · May 2011

Welcome to Club Polk Piker!

I think that you will be amazed by the improvement that will happen when you add the amp.

I always recommend getting a 5 channel amp of at least 200wpc and be done with this particular upgrade.

All of your speakers will show what they are truly capable of producing once they get the power that they need to operate to their full potential.

None of your speakers will be hurt since they will only take the power that they need at any given time. What's important is that the power will be there when they need it. The only way to damage the speakers is if you get too carried away with the volume, which will probably damage your hearing before the speakers give out!

Have you purchased the IC's that you are going to need to hook up the amp to your receiver? If not, check out Blue Jeans Cable or Monoprice for those.

Congrats on your purchase, and let us know what you think once you have a chance.

piker · May 2011

cfrizz wrote: »

None of your speakers will be hurt since they will only take the power that they need at any given time. What's important is that the power will be there when they need it. The only way to damage the speakers is if you get too carried away with the volume, which will probably damage your hearing before the speakers give out!

Have you purchased the IC's that you are going to need to hook up the amp to your receiver? If not, check out Blue Jeans Cable or Monoprice for those.

Congrats on your purchase, and let us know what you think once you have a chance.

Thank you for the informative response, cfrizz! I am glad to hear that I shouldn't have a problem running this amp as long as I'm not trying to bring the house down with pure volume. I don't necessarily need more volume than I have now. I simply wish for a richer, more full sounding performance. I want the extra dynamic punch to be there when its asked for.

I purchased five of the below from monoprice. I'm hoping I ordered the right ones. I read a couple reviews that mentioned using these as interconnects from receivers to amplifier. When comparing them to the cables that Emotiva sells for $19 a piece on their website they look very much alike.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10236&cs_id=1023603&p_id=2680&seq=1&format=2

cfrizz · May 2011

Those will work just fine. Be sure to post back once you get it all put together.

piker wrote: »

Thank you for the informative response, cfrizz! I am glad to hear that I shouldn't have a problem running this amp as long as I'm not trying to bring the house down with pure volume. I don't necessarily need more volume than I have now. I simply wish for a richer, more full sounding performance. I want the extra dynamic punch to be there when its asked for.

I purchased five of the below from monoprice. I'm hoping I ordered the right ones. I read a couple reviews that mentioned using these as interconnects from receivers to amplifier. When comparing them to the cables that Emotiva sells for $19 a piece on their website they look very much alike.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10236&cs_id=1023603&p_id=2680&seq=1&format=2

krauley · May 2011

Piker as you can see from my sign that i was in the same boat as you. I got that xpa- 5 hooked up and it was diffinitely worth the $$$. No regrets here! Also i have a cs1 upfront and while it may not be rated as high as the 200 wpc the xpa gives up, youll loose your hearing long before the speaker will crack just like cfrizz pointed out.

Enjoy!

piker · May 2011

Thanks krauley. I'll post up my initial impressions once I get everything... hopefully by this time next week.

I have come up with one more question. Would it be a bad idea to put the amp on an end table which has the PSW505 only a couple inches under it? Electromagnetic interference? If so, I'll likely have to move the sub to the side of my seating area, as I do not have any wall space left up front. My computer desk is taking up the left corner of the room, and the right side has a closet door so I can't place anything there.

Geoff4rfc · May 2011

piker wrote: »

I'm really looking for some reassurance here. Also I haven't really read about any before and after comparisons. I'm hoping to get a few responses like that.

I've got a very similar set up as you do. My 70's and CS2 do quite well from the XPA-3. My 807 pumps good juice into my 40's and 30's. Of course, my Epik has it's own amp so all is well.

There are a lot more better amps out there, but for the price, I have no regrets with my XPA-3 and would do it again in a heart beat.

As others have mentioned, be sure to post your results, thoughts and maybe some photos.

Congratulations.

apphd · May 2011

piker wrote: »

Thanks krauley. I'll post up my initial impressions once I get everything... hopefully by this time next week.

I have come up with one more question. Would it be a bad idea to put the amp on an end table which has the PSW505 only a couple inches under it? Electromagnetic interference? If so, I'll likely have to move the sub to the side of my seating area, as I do not have any wall space left up front. My computer desk is taking up the left corner of the room, and the right side has a closet door so I can't place anything there.

You shouldn't have any concerns of Electromagnetic interference, but I would avoid it just due to vibrations. This may not be a real concern, with a HT sub, but I remember a stress test lab where I used to work used shake and bake chambers that had 15" or 20" drivers, and used sub sonic freqs. to rattle the bejeebers out of products for testing.

Paired up with your gear and your adversion to used amps, I think you will be more than happy with the Emo amp.

piker · May 2011

I found a table that will work to set the amp on top of. It should give me about a foot of space between the amp and the sub, which I'm sure is an ample (pun intended) enough amount of room between the two devices.

george daniel · May 2011

Well,, let us know your impressions,,I know there has been alot of Emo bashing in the past,,but having heard them at Axpona in Atlanta,,I must admit that their HT and 2ch rooms did not souind bad at all.Good luck with your system and welcome to CP

Systems · May 2011

I just added two UPA-1s 200 watts each..mono block amps..i have Polk Monitor70s..i am useing a HarmanKardon 3490..in a2.1set'up..as the pre-amp..and it really opened them up..sound stage is very good..the low end on my M70s really get low..and yes mids are much better and the highs and upper mids are sweet!..You will hear much more with the 200 watts..are there better amps out there?..yes...but cost lots more too...Emotiva amps like you said come with 5 years on them...Luv them .

jcandy · May 2011

piker wrote: »

I really want to stay away from used and would like to remain under the $1000 price point, and so I just finished purchasing one of the Emotiva XPA-5's from their website.

You made an excellent choice. Just remember to use your legs when lifting it!

devani · May 2011

let us know how you like the sound...i also had XPA-5 at one time

ranger · May 2011

devani, I guess you didn't like it? Why?

krauley · May 2011

jcandy wrote: »

You made an excellent choice. Just remember to use your legs when lifting it!

This is probably the most important text typed in this thread! I AGREE 100%! :eek: At the very least get some help getting that bad boy into place. :biggrin:

cfrizz · May 2011

:rolleyes:Oh please, lets's not start.

In most cases he probably simply moved on in his quest of sampling as much gear as he can get his hands on that his wallet will allow.

This happens a lot in this hobby, it's called upgraditis.:biggrin:

ranger wrote: »

devani, I guess you didn't like it? Why?

nguyendot · May 2011

piker wrote: »

I would like to think that I'll hear a similar difference to what I have with my car right now. From the factory, Subaru installed the most craptastic sounding factory deck I've ever heard before. It absolutely sucked! I installed a Kenwood DVD/NAV deck about a year later and it boosted the watts from about 15 per channel from the factory to I think 45 per channel now. The sound difference was quite amazing. It really brought the speakers to life and they sounded better. I'm hoping that is the kind of difference I will be getting here with the amp.

I very much doubt your NAV deck puts out 45/channel. It probably has a 10 amp fuse in the back, or 15. Do the math, 14.4v x 10=144 watts. Or 216w with a 15a fuse.

It's very different home vs car. A home receiver will put out closer to its rating than a car unit will. Even so, the biamp is useless on the receiver, you're probably getting closer to 30w/channel with all channels driven. Then again how often are all channels driven? The bi-amp is really only useful when driving two channels, and even then you're really only getting 40w/channel or so. An external amp will drive your speakers better, and generally sound better. Emotiva has mixed reviews on this forum, so you just have to try it for yourself.

Sherardp · May 2011

Welcome to the club, definitely post your thoughts. I tried to get an Emotiva amp, but after they asked for $1000.00 to ship, I moved on. They look pretty, but I have never had the opportunity to experience one. Love the Sunfire I ended up with though.

piker · May 2011

I should be receiving the amp today. FedEx tracking shows that it's out on a truck for delivery right now.

I miscalculated the length of IC cables I'd need. Ordered 6' cables, got them in yesterday, and I don't think they will work out. The cables will be hanging in the air instead of running along the ground. I ordered another set of 10' yesterday. Monoprice looks to have a good return policy with no restocking fees. I just have to pay return shipping.

If only I had picked out a TV stand with just a couple more inches of depth, because then I could set the receiver and amp side by side. Instead I had to go with the narrowest depth I could find. Yeah it looks nice, but it isn't very manageable now. The XPA-5 will be lonely on the table to the side.

piker · May 2011

ctank wrote: »

I just added two UPA-1s 200 watts each..mono block amps..i have Polk Monitor70s..i am useing a HarmanKardon 3490..in a2.1set'up..as the pre-amp..and it really opened them up..sound stage is very good..the low end on my M70s really get low..and yes mids are much better and the highs and upper mids are sweet!..You will hear much more with the 200 watts..are there better amps out there?..yes...but cost lots more too...Emotiva amps like you said come with 5 years on them...Luv them .

What do you have your crossover set to on the 70's?

EndersShadow · May 2011

piker wrote: »

I miscalculated the length of IC cables I'd need. Ordered 6' cables, got them in yesterday, and I don't think they will work out. The cables will be hanging in the air instead of running along the ground. I ordered another set of 10' yesterday. Monoprice looks to have a good return policy with no restocking fees. I just have to pay return shipping.

If it was me I would return the monoprice IC's and buy some better ones like from SignalCable or BlueJeansCable. With the amount you spent on the AVR and Amp you want to make sure the signal between the two is as clean as possible. SignalCable or BlueJeanCable interconnects are great at doing that are are sold at bargain prices compared to most IC's.

If you can find a way to keep them short that would be prefered as my set of 5 SignalCables cost me like 110 for 3 footers. However they are much better than my Monoprice IC's I had before (both the regular and premium ones)

Systems · May 2011

@piker...my Polk sub is set at.. 2 clicks before halfway....and the Hz is set about 80hz..M70s running at full..no bi-amp on them..the 200 watts and that the mono amps have 80,000ufs each..when playing at say about -30 db on the H/K..the output from my M70s are so much better...very open sound stage...mids are sweet, highs are well clean!..Guys i know Polk has them Rti9s i would luv to have those..but i really luv they way my Monitor 70 sound..very musical!...I have too say i will never use anything else..Mono amps that is..i am not on here pushing Emotiva Amps..i have had a Carver amp before back in the 90,s it was as good as these monos i have now..i sold it...wish i had it back..i will upgrade to a 7.2 processor soon..and add more amps..i have the H/K2600 in a 5.1 set'up..useing a Niles A/B Amp switch..so i can use both amps with just my M70s..and i do have two subs..one for each amp..i am new here guys so please forgive me if i miss a post..or put something in the wrong post..just trying too fit in here..

Systems · May 2011

Oh i do have all Polk speakers everywhere else too..

piker · May 2011

I got the amp set up and was able to play around with it for a couple hours. I tested a variety of sources.

First I put in Kung Fu Panda (2 comes out this week!) and watched a couple scenes of that. I noticed the center channel dialog was cleaner and easier to understand now. I forgot I was listening to a speaker. It's now more like I am actually hearing someone speak in front of me. That part impressed me quite a bit.

Watching the scene where Tai Lung escapes prison, I was able to hear the added dynamics the amp has to offer. Spears being thrown and smashing off of rock walls, chains grinding against stone... it all sounds good. Overall it seems to have added clean and clear power, which actually makes more of a difference than I thought it would.

I haven't noticed a huge increase in overall volume, but I can now listen at the same levels as I have been with the Onkyo and I can hear things more clearly and in-your-face than I ever have. It is a lot more like being in a movie theater. I need to try a couple more movies throughout the week to verify the improvements. I have a few demo worthy blu-rays I am very familiar with and I will try those out.

The second thing I decided to try was music. After putting in the M70's about a week ago, I felt like they sounded flat and weren't providing the sound that they were hyped up to have. After the XPA-5 installation, I now have a chance to hear what the speakers are capable of. It's not flat sounding anymore, but full and enhanced. The music sounds substantially better than before. The M70's have popped their low-end cherry. The midrange seems to be the most improved. The higher I crank the volume, the more I can tell the amp is doing its job.

I also tried some tracks from Rock Band 2. It sounded great. It was like being right there in a concert. If only RB had better than Dolby Digital audio, but it still sounded pretty awesome. I then stuck in Dirt 3 which is brand new. This game is like pure sex for the ears. I wanted to keep turning up the volume but I knew I'd start to piss off the neighbors. I finished my gaming run with a chapter from Uncharted 2 on the PS3. This game does use lossless PCM surround sound, and it really shines. The soundtrack is superb, and the voice acting matches it. It's a shining example of why having a good surround sound is a must for gaming.

Overall impressions are good. I've never had the opportunity to listen to a home theater amplifier before. I have nothing to compare this XPA-5 to, except for my Onkyo TX-NR808 receiver. Although it's a good midrange receiver on its own, I'm happy I got this amp. It provides clean and crystal clear power that the Onkyo just can't match.

I know a lot of members here use amps mainly for music listening and home theater. Surely, gaming is an afterthought for a lot of people, but it seems to be a perfect fit for the Emotiva XPA-5.

audiocr381ve · May 2011

piker wrote: »

I got the amp set up and was able to play around with it for a couple hours. I tested a variety of sources.

First I put in Kung Fu Panda (2 comes out this week!) and watched a couple scenes of that. I noticed the center channel dialog was cleaner and easier to understand now. I forgot I was listening to a speaker. It's now more like I am actually hearing someone speak in front of me. That part impressed me quite a bit.

Watching the scene where Tai Lung escapes prison, I was able to hear the added dynamics the amp has to offer. Spears being thrown and smashing off of rock walls, chains grinding against stone... it all sounds good. Overall it seems to have added clean and clear power, which actually makes more of a difference than I thought it would.

I haven't noticed a huge increase in overall volume, but I can now listen at the same levels as I have been with the Onkyo and I can hear things more clearly and in-your-face than I ever have. It is a lot more like being in a movie theater. I need to try a couple more movies throughout the week to verify the improvements. I have a few demo worthy blu-rays I am very familiar with and I will try those out.

The second thing I decided to try was music. After putting in the M70's about a week ago, I felt like they sounded flat and weren't providing the sound that they were hyped up to have. After the XPA-5 installation, I now have a chance to hear what the speakers are capable of. It's not flat sounding anymore, but full and enhanced. The music sounds substantially better than before. The M70's have popped their low-end cherry. The midrange seems to be the most improved. The higher I crank the volume, the more I can tell the amp is doing its job.

I also tried some tracks from Rock Band 2. It sounded great. It was like being right there in a concert. If only RB had better than Dolby Digital audio, but it still sounded pretty awesome. I then stuck in Dirt 3 which is brand new. This game is like pure sex for the ears. I wanted to keep turning up the volume but I knew I'd start to piss off the neighbors. I finished my gaming run with a chapter from Uncharted 2 on the PS3. This game does use lossless PCM surround sound, and it really shines. The soundtrack is superb, and the voice acting matches it. It's a shining example of why having a good surround sound is a must for gaming.

Overall impressions are good. I've never had the opportunity to listen to a home theater amplifier before. I have nothing to compare this XPA-5 to, except for my Onkyo TX-NR808 receiver. Although it's a good midrange receiver on its own, I'm happy I got this amp. It provides clean and crystal clear power that the Onkyo just can't match.

I know a lot of members here use amps mainly for music listening and home theater. Surely, gaming is an afterthought for a lot of people, but it seems to be a perfect fit for the Emotiva XPA-5.

That's awesome. I'm glad you didn't include any of the audio snob buzz words, it was just a remarkable improvement that was very audible and I'm happy for ya.

I have the Emotiva XDA-1 Digital Audio Converter coming in this Friday. It acts as both a preamp and a DAC. This would be an awesome upgrade to your system. The price of the XDA-1 of $349 shipped is absolutely ridiculous.

Systems · May 2011

Thanks for posting on your XPA-5..nice post..I am hearing a lot about that Amp..and its been all good...i have the H/K3490 and when i add my UPA-1s..them amp sreally open up my Polks 70s too..you are right the low end really opening up on them..and the XDA-1 i hear people like that pre-amp a lot too..great pice on it..My H/K3490 has 120 watts x2 and 30,000ufs..but it just can not putout the power my two mono block Emotivas can..@..Audiocr381ve...please let us know how you like your XDA-1..i am thinking really hard on that one too..

Emotiva XPA-5 amplifier

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